Hell Fest
Performance & Direction: Hell Fest Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hell Fest (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hell Fest features a noteworthy lineup led by Amy Forsyth . Supported by the likes of Christian James and Reign Edwards , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Hell Fest
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Hell Fest is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Gregory Plotkin. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Amy Forsyth.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. On Halloween night at a horror theme park, a costumed killer begins slaying innocent patrons who believe that it's all part of the festivities. Director Gregory Plotkin uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Hell Fest
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gregory Plotkin, Hell Fest attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Amy Forsyth, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hell Fest reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hell Fest?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Hell Fest
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Hell Fest Budget
The estimated production budget for Hell Fest is $5.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Hell Fest
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Where to Watch Hell Fest Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeHell Fest Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Hell Fest age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hell Fest is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Hell Fest is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hell Fest worth watching?
Hell Fest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hell Fest parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hell Fest identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hell Fest?
The total duration of Hell Fest is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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How Hell Fest Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hell Fest
I've seen a similar sort of thing done where it was the carnival-folk themselves who were murderers, and I have seen that thing done, a lot. So it was quite a nice surprise to see it just be a single dude who rocks up to somebody else's Halloween Horror Nights-type deal and start wreckin' the place. From the outset I thought I was going to hate all the character's interactions, and don't get me wrong, these kids won't be taking home Oscars any time soon, but I did actually find myself quite taken with them before the end. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
**_Traditional slasher at a carnival_** Three college-age couples go to a horror theme park near Cincinnati during the Halloween season, but the scary fun turns to actual horror when they discern that a real murderer is on the loose at the amusement park. "Hell Fest" (2018) is a traditional slasher that takes advantage of the carnival setting, reminiscent of “The Funhouse” from 37 years earlier, as well as the long amusement park sequence in “Urban Legends: Final Cut.” While I like “The Funhouse” and think it’s superior to this, it was criticized for the (supposed) “Boring, long wait before anything of interest happens.” Maybe this explains why this flick cuts to the chase and gets the teens to the festival almost immediately. This of course makes for a one-dimensional setting (the carnival at night), but I appreciate the colorful carnival sets and the story does become interesting when the protagonist witnesses the first slaying, which the others convince her is part of the act. Speaking of the protagonist, Amy Forsyth works well as the attractive main character, Natalie. To be expected, there are some gory bits, but don’t anticipate nudity. The creators commendably sneered at that particular “staple.” Tony Todd, known for the role of Mr. Bludworth in the “Final Destination” series, is featured in a notable bit part. The film runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot just northwest of Atlanta at Six Flags White Water. Most of the decorations used were borrowed from the Six Flags’ Fright Fest decorations. GRADE: B-
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
